Final answer:
Varying the incline angle on a ramp affects the parallel component of gravitational force, thus altering the force required to move an object up the incline. However, the total work done remains consistent for a given height, as increased force for steeper angles is offset by a shorter horizontal distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Varying the incline angle of a ramp affects the work done on an object. Work is defined as the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force. When you have an incline, the gravitational force acting on an object moving up the ramp can be divided into two components: a force perpendicular to the incline and a force parallel to it.
The perpendicular force does not do work as the object moves along the incline because there is no displacement in the direction of this force. On the other hand, the parallel force does work and depends on the angle of the incline. As this angle increases, the parallel component of the gravitational force increases, meaning that more force is required to move the object up the incline.
However, even though it may be harder to push an object up a steeper incline due to the increased parallel force, the total work done on the object remains the same for a given height, assuming friction is negligible. This is because the steeper incline shortens the distance the object has to be moved horizontally, balancing out the increased force required.